In “Saving Private Ryan” (shown here), D-Day filled 21 minutes; in “The Longest Day,” it filled three hours.
Still, these movies – separated by 36 years and huge leaps in cinema – had the same effect: They showed the horror and triumph of the day that marked the beginning of the end of Europe’s nightmare.
As Thursday’s milestone — the 75th anniversary of D-Day – nears, we can see both on cable. Here’s a sampling:
— “Saving Private Ryan” (1998) is the triumph that brought Steven Spielberg his second best-director Oscar (after “Schindler’s List”). After an opening scene – with young Matt Damon in old-guy make-up – it has the stunning D-Day sequence, then goes on to its fictional story. It airs at 8 p.m. Sunday (June 2) and 4 p.m. Monday on Sundance, then at 7 and 11 p.m. Thursday on AMC, plus 10 a.m. Jan. 13.
— “The Longest Day” (1962) was so massive that if used three directors and a mega-cast, including John Wayne, Rod Steiger, Henry Fonda, Richard Burton, Sean Connery and Red Buttons. Like “Private Ryan,” it won an Oscar for cinematography (in this case, black-and-white) and was nominated for best picture. It’s 8 p.m. ET Thursday on Turner Classic Movies.
— That’s part of a World War II marathon on TCM. Others (all times ET) are: “In Which We Serve” (1942), 5:30 a.m.; “Screaming Eagles” (1956), 7:30 a.m.; “Breakthrough” (1950), 9 a.m.; “Fighter Squadron” (1948), 11 a.m.; the clever “36 Hours” (1962), 1 p.m.; “Dunkirk” (1958), 3:15 p.m.; “The Battle of Britain” (1969), 5:45 p.m.; “Overlord” (1975), 11 p.m.; “A Bridge Too Far” (1977), 1 a.m.; “Battleground” (1949), 4:15 a.m.; and “Attack” (1956), 6:30 a.m.
— The National Geographic Channel has World War II documentaries, some new. They’re 1 p.m. to 2 a.m. ET Monday (June 3), 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. Tuesday and 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. Wednesday and Thursday.
— Also, keep an eye on newscasts and cable news channels, especially during the live ceremonies in France, from about 5 to 6:30 a.m. ET Thursday. CBS says on Wednesday and Thursday, its morning show and evening newscast will focus on the anniversary. ABC says David Muir will travel with American veterans. He’ll anchor from London on Tuesday and from Normandy on Wednesday and Thursday.